Reconnecting

Same spot, another bird.

I took this photo in the same place I took the egret photo yesterday. This bird was gray instead of white. I’m awful at bird names, but maybe this was a blue heron? He took off before I could get close enough to get a good shot. And I was too slow to catch him in flight.

A view from the outdoor dining area.

We met with my cousin Teresa at Castaways in Astor, about a half hour from here for lunch. I was wondering if I would even recognize her because I have only seen her once (that I remember) as a adult. But there was no mistaking the big, welcoming wave from her as she got out of her car! She has beautiful auburn hair, blue eyes, and creamy-looking skin. And she gives great bear hugs! 🙂

We elected to eat outside on the floating dock. It moved with the waves and felt like we were on a boat.

Ron and I had the blackened fish salad. I am leery of ordering blackened fish because so few do it right — but this place had it down pat. It was great!

Castaways is a dog friendly restaurant. You can take your dogs in the outside eating areas. But I knew if I had both dogs with me, I would be so preoccupied with them that I couldn’t take full advantage of visiting with Teresa. So I left them in the car in a palm-shaded parking spot.

After we finished a long, leisurely lunch, I took her out to meet the dogs. I opened the truck door — and Sheba bolted out of the truck like lightning and raced toward the buildings. I couldn’t whistle, so I screamed “SHEBA!!!!!” but she ignored me. Just as I was planning to put Sunny down and go chase Sheba, she reappeared at the truck as quickly as she had disappeared. I told her, “Get in the truck!” and she went in like a bullet.

It dawned on me that she probably had gotten a bad case of cabin fever waiting for us in the truck and just needed to stretch her muscles.

The floating dining area.

Teresa lives in Florida now, so I hope we will do better at keeping in touch than we have in the past. She also loves hiking and has done several of the trails in the area.

I completely forgot about taking pictures in the excitement of meeting up with her. Then, as we were leaving, I did remember to shoot a couple of shots of the area. But Teresa didn’t want her picture taken, and I don’t blame her. I don’t like mine taken much either! 🙂

I guess I looked funny because I was holding Sunny and in shock at Sheba bolting and ignoring me. I bet my mouth was hanging open!

We really lucked out today. We have a new RV next door. They have an Australian Shepherd named Lucy and she and Sheba are having a ball playing with each other. Leashed, of course. It would be a,blast to watch them off leash.

It is so nice to reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a long time. Hope you manage to stay in touch.
Brought back quite a memory about the floating restaurant. Those day so long ago yet so perfect in my mind.